Inspiring Holidays Newsletter | Holidays to stimulate the mind, body and soul.

Welcome to the February 2010 Newsletter from Inspiring HolidaysWell we hope that you've all managed to emerge from the extreme cool-box that was January. We've certainly been dreaming of holidays in warmer climes for the last few weeks!

This time of year always sees a frenzy of holiday-booking activity, and with the UK now appearing to be taking a few tentative steps out of recession, many holiday companies seem to be expecting a better year. What that means for you is that some of the more niche, unusual or just less profitable holidays that vanished off the radar last year might make a reappearance. Equally, capacity might be increased on more popular holidays which could see prices becoming even more competitive.

Anyway, to whet your appetite, here are a few of the top activity holiday special offers that have caught our eye...

Upto 20% off African Safaris Special Offer

Imaginative Traveller are currently offering up to 20% off some of their last minute African Safari Adventures. You'll need to move quickly though because these represent great value for money and are sure to get snapped up soon:

Backroads of Botswana
Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Combine the fantastic wildlife of Chobe National Park with the stunning scenery of Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls to make this one of the best trips on offer.
Tour starts: Sunday, February 28, 2010 for 10 days
Was: £550pp | Now £440pp | Save £110pp

Botswana & Zimbabwe Adventure
Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Over three incredible weeks we explore parts of South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining the 'Backroads of Botswana' and 'Waterfalls and Wildlife' safaris.
Tour starts: Sunday, February 28, 2010 for 22 days
20% off February 28th departure - Was: £1165pp | Now £932pp | Save £233pp

Wild Africa
South Africa, Zimbabwe
After a period of time in the tourist wilderness, Zimbabwe is once again beginning to shine. Encompassing excellent game reserves, diverse landscapes, rich cultural history and the spectacle of Victoria Falls, this short safari gives you a real feel of the beauty of Zimbabwe.
Tour starts: Sunday, February 28, 2010 for 10 days
20% off February 28th departure - Was: £550pp | Now: £440pp | Save £110pp

Strictly Come Dancing Breaks with Warner Leisure Hotels

The TV favourite may be over, but you can still enjoy all the glamour and excitement of Strictly Come Dancing on a UK holiday!

These incredible breaks will allow you to meet some of the stars of the show and learn how to perfom those graceful and energetic dances - as well as enjoying beautifully choreographed dance demonstrations and experiencing the glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing.

Dancing together since 1997 Darren & Lilia achieved great success early in their career together, turning Professional in 2003 they won the British Rising Star Professional Championships. Following that they were World Show Dance Champions in 2004, and World Professional Latin Finalists in 2005.

During your break you will have the chance to "Get Up Close and Personal" with Darren & Lila. There will be chance to put your questions to them in an intimate questions & answers session, followed by the opportunity to meet & greet them and photo opportunities.

In the evening watch the stunning and spectacular "Strictly Showcase" which will feature Darren & Lila as they take to the floor and perform their stunning routines.

"Be part of it" is your chance to be judged by either Darren & Lilia or Len Goodman when, if you choose to, you can take part in the Strictly Come dancing comes to Warner competition. Or if you prefer, simply sit back, relax and enjoy being part of our "live" audience.

Find out more here...

Walking Holiday on the Italian Island of Elba - 8 days from £672

The island of Elba is perfect walking country and we are delighted to offer a seven-night holiday staying at the Hotel Gabbiano Azzurro on a bed and breakfast basis and including three guided walks.

North & South - Starting outside Poggio, we take a gentle walk to the National Park of Monte Perone. We cross to the south of the island and follow a tiny road down to the mediaeval town of Saint Ilario. Our path then curls past vineyards and ends with a wonderful view of Marciana Marina. Easy / moderate walking – 4 hours. Distance – 7½ miles.

Legend, Mystery & Intrigue - Starting in the mediaeval mountain hamlet of Poggio, we walk along a chestnut-flanked road towards the Napoleonic Spa before taking the woodland path up to San Cerbone Chapel. Passing the Pisan fortress, we climb to the intriguing 11th-century Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte. Descending, we call at the ancient village of Marciana Alta. Easy /moderate walking – 3½ hours. Distance – 7½ miles.

Mare e Macchia - Public transport takes us to the panoramic heights of Zanca, from where we walk down through semi-tropical vegetation to Sant’Andrea. Here we explore the waterfront before continuing to the tiny village of Maciarello. Our steep path then sweeps down through vineyards onto the cove of La Cala. After a brief climb through orchards and vineyards, our wonderful walk culminates with breathtaking views of Corsica. Easy / moderate walking – 3½ hours. Distance – 6½ miles

Dates, Prices & Departure - holiday ref: EEITWE
02/06/2010 £752
15/09/2010 £672

Telephone 0845 358 2639 to find out more

Up to 25% off Club Med Ski Holidays Special Offe

25% Price Decrease on many Club Med Ski Resorts in February! Club Med have some fantastic last minute offers on a selection of their ski resorts in February, including the stunning resort at Val d'Isere.

SPECIAL 25% PRICE DECREASE

Val d'Isère, France
7 nights dep. 7 February from £1090pp - Save up to £363pp including transport
7 nights dep. 21 February from £1292pp - Save up to £431pp including transport

La Plagne 2100, France
7 nights dep. 7 February from £1045pp - Save £348pp including transport
7 nights dep. 28 February from £1210pp - Save £403pp including transport

Arcs Extrême, France
7 nights dep. 7 February from £790pp - Save £263pp including transport
7 nights dep. 21 February from £989pp - Save £330pp including transport

Chamonix Mont - Blanc, France
7 nights dep. 7 February from £904pp - Save £301pp including transport
7 nights dep. 21 February from £1111pp - Save £370pp including transport

Last Minute Ski Holiday Offers from Neilson

FEBRUARY SKI OFFERS FROM NEILSON - SAVE UP TO £205pp. Check out these last minute offers on Ski Holidays with Neilson Active Holidays:

Alpe d'Huez, France - Berger Apts
06 Feb from Birmingham
Self Catering - £225pp (Save £170pp)

Mottaret, France - Chalet Clemintine
06 Feb from Manchester
Catered Chalet - £475pp (Save £205pp)

Beitostolen, Norway - Accommodation on Arrival
21 Feb from London Gatwick
Self Catering - £175pp (£100pp)

Chamonix, France - Chamois Blanc Apts
21 Feb from Birmingham
Self Catering - £199pp (Save £200pp)

Check out these and other offers on the Neilson Website

Neilson Summer Holiday Deal of the Week

This week's special offer is a week at the fabulous Club Teos in Teos, Turkey. From £420pp, that's a saving of £225 each! Flights from London Gatwick on 1st May 2010 for 7 nights.

Situated in a beautiful, tranquil location around the edge of an enclosed bay surrounded by green headland and the clear turquoise of the Aegean sea.

Accommodation
All rooms and bathrooms at Club Teos have been architect designed and completely renovated to a high standard ready for our first arrivals. Compact village style garden rooms are situated on the ground or first floor with a balcony or terrace looking over the gardens.

Facilities
• Wellbeing area featuring treatment rooms, a gym and fitness room.
• Most of the communal areas are located around the sailing bay with great views.
• The attractive pool is located just behind the beach and has a pool bar with large shaded terrace.
• Information centre for booking activities, a small shop and an on-site PADI registered dive school.
• Smaller children's pool, children's play area and the base for our children's clubs.
• Steps lead from the beach to the restaurant which is split over two levels with wonderful views over the bay.
• Decked sunbathing area with plenty of sunloungers and shading, towards the end of the decked area is the ski pontoon and waterski boats.
• Four tennis courts, a grassed games area, yoga pavilion and mountain bike shed.

Find out more on the Neilson Website

Walking Holiday in Austria - 9 days from £679

Enjoy invigorating walks amidst the spectacular scenery of the Austrian Alps with Leger Holidays. Each of their walking tours feature:

- Well-planned itineraries at a leisurely pace
- Specialist walking guides with detailed notes and maps
- Hand-picked gasthofs and inns with good food

PLUS... if you’re unable to walk on any day, or if the weather is bad, you’ll be offered an alternative optional excursion by coach so you can still enjoy your surroundings.

Tour Includes
- 4 guided walks: Romantic Valley; Kleberkopf Mountain; Asitzkopf; Hohe Penhab
- Excursion: - Salzburg & Mondsee, Cable car/gondola rides as described
- 4-star hotel in Austria
- Local English-speaking walking guide
- 8 nights’ accommodation with breakfast & 6 evening meals
- FREE local joining points
- Travel by executive coach

• Day 1 – Local departure by coach and onwards to Belgium for an overnight stay.

• Day 2 – To Saalbach, Austria, for a six-night stay. B,D

• Day 3 – Walk 1: Romantic Valley (approx. 5km) (included). We meet our guide and start at the small hamlet of Lengau. We travel along forest paths and through pastures, seeing traditional farmers’ mountain huts. B,D

• Day 4 – Walk 2: Kleberkopf Mountain Approx. 9km (included). We start with a spectacular gondola ride on the Red Kohlmaiskopf lift. This whisks us up to an altitude of 1794m in about 10 minutes. From here, we continue on the Saalachtaler high mountain path to the Spielbergtörl, and then onto the summit of the Kleberkopf. B,D

• Day 5 – Free day or Salzburg and Lake Mondsee (included). One of the most beautiful cities in Austria, Salzburg offers lovely, tranquil squares and medieval lanes, gothic churches and quaint cafés. For the best
view of the city, climb to the terrace of the fortress of Hohensalzburg. Later we head towards the Austrian Lake District and the beautiful resort of Mondsee, on the lake of the same name. A day of contrasting beauty in city and countryside. B,D

• Day 6 – Walk 3: Asitzkopf Approx. 9km (included). Our day begins with a journey up the Kohlmaiskopf gondola, then walk to the Wildenkarkogel (1910m), and back over the Thuneralm to Mittersill from the Kohlmais lift, then back to Saalbach by local bus. B,D

• Day 7 – Walk 4: Hohe Penhab Approx. 6km (included). We head to Hinterglemm and the Zwölferhorn gondola. We walk from the Zwölferkogelbahn at Hohe Penhab, to the Seekar, coming to a small lake, and then we carry on along the Schönhoferwand to the Ellmau Alm. From the Ellmau Alm we walk to the middle station of the Zwölferkogelbahn, and from here return to Saalbach by bus. B,D

• Day 8 – To Belgium for an overnight stay B

• Day 9 – To Calais then return home. B

B=Breakfast D=Dinner

Visit the Leger Holidays Website for more information